Ideas and Inspiration

The big day is approaching and you’ve been invited! But all of a sudden, your nerves are starting to take its toll on you and you don’t know what to do. After all, you’ve never been to a wedding before.

Does this sound like you? Then keep on reading as we’re about to give you a comprehensive list on what to do and what to avoid to give the best possible impression:

1. DO: Silence your phone

Obvious, right? And yet, too many guests slip their mind. And then it goes off at the worst possible moment and you’re forever labeled as “that guy”. Ouch! Don’t let this happen and either enable silent mode or turn it off completely.

2. DO: Prepare a speech

Ideally, you want to be in the know regarding whether you’ll be called to the mic stand to give a speech or not. But sometimes, you don’t. So it’s better to come prepared and have a speech ready. It doesn’t need to be polished down to the last word, but it doesn’t hurt to prepare a general outline of it and go over it a couple of times in your mind.

3. DON’T: Bring uninvited guests

Unless someone has received an invitation, don’t assume they’re invited. To make matters more complicated, asking the bride or groom whether someone can tag alone is perceived as rude, so don’t do it.

4. DO: Put some thought into the gift

The gift doesn’t need to be expensive, but do make sure it’s something appropriate and thoughtful. For instance, Omega Speedmaster as the ideal wedding present for punctual, classy, or career-oriented individuals. If you can deliver a punchy and witty message in the gift tag, you’re bound to be remembered for it.

5. DON’T: Use flash when taking photos

Taking photos is all fine and well, but do make sure to keep the flash feature disabled. The reason being is that the couple and other guests may find it annoying. Plus, it could disrupt the work of a professional photographer they’ve hired just for the occasion.

6. DON’T: Drink too much alcohol before the ceremony

There’s a long night ahead of everybody, so please try to stay composed during the first couple of hours. After the official ceremony is over, have at it!

7. DO: Let the couple know about any food allergies you might have

Are you a vegan? Do you only eat gluten-free foods? Then be sure to let the couple know a gracious amount of time before the wedding day. After all, these things require preparations.

8. DON’T: Get off the hinges about catching the bouquet

The whole concept of tossing the bouquet is supposed to be fun, so don’t make it competitive. Walking all over someone just to get the upper hand is the last thing you want to be doing.

Who will be the lucky one to catch it?

9. DO: Dress appropriately

Don’t be the guy who comes in wearing jeans even if it’s a casual event. Instead, err on the side of caution and wear something nice. Sprinkle some cologne on top and you’ll be good to go. And for the love of it all, don’t wear white unless you want to be mistaken for the bride.

10. DON’T: Criticize the food

If you absolutely have to, at least be courteous enough and not be too vocal about it. It’s better to pave your way with a white lie instead and compliment it even if you’ve had better.

Conclusion

That should pretty much cover it. Do keep in mind there could be other small little details that fall outside of the scope of this article due to them being culturally-specific, religious-based, or something similar. So do your homework before you take off, but apart from that, don’t worry too much!

With the current climate, it’s difficult to predict when things will go “back to normal”. But what we can do is plan fantastic events for 2021! In this article, we’ve summarised three great entertainment ideas for your wedding either later this year or in 2020.

360 Photo Booth Hire

When events are eventually back in full swing, people are going to want to have FUN. And nothing is quite as much fun as the 360 Photo Booth (also known as the Slow Motion Booth). Up to 6 guests can stand on its’ circular platform, where they will be circled by a focused camera. This will then produce a slow motion video for your guests to enjoy!

These videos are available instantly, and are perfect for sharing on popular social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. What’s more, unlike traditional photo booths – guests can still have a great time in this booth by themselves. If you want to maximise results, consider adding some dynamic props. Think dollar blasters or confetti guns – these produce some simply outstanding results.

Recommended Supplier: Booths By Lux

Webcasting / Live Streaming Services

 There is no doubt that when things return to normal, events and people’s approach towards them is going to be slightly different – at least in the short term. Whilst we imagine most people will still go to events, some may be less willing to travel, and even those close by may be nervous about going to mass gatherings.

So why not take the pressure off by offering a live stream (aka webcast) of your special day. But we don’t just mean a facebook live video. These are extremely poor quality, can drop out very easily and are not at all suitable for a one-off event as important as your Wedding Day. What we’re talking about here is a professional streaming solution.

This could mean having one high-definition camera on the bride and groom during the reception, as well as microphones so that they can be heard. You may also wish to allow guests to be able to leave comments or send voice messages, which can be reproduced through the sound system, and visually on to a projector or series of TV screens.

You will need to make sure the venue has a fairly sturdy Wi-Fi connection for this to work, and that you aren’t sharing it with anyone else (for example hotel guests). What this means is having a dedicated line, and on your Wedding Day you only deserve the best!

Recommended Supplier: Grand Technical

Roaming Photo Booth Hire

Many events choose to have a Photographer as well a Photo Booth for their evening reception. Now whilst you definitely need a high-quality photographer for your Reception, why not consider having a Roaming Photo Booth for the Reception? Photographers are usually pretty tired by this point in the evening, and generally depart shortly after the first dance.

So this is where the aforementioned comes in as the perfect hybrid. The RPB is essentially a Photo Booth that can travel anywhere around the venue. This means you can have the same flexibility as a Photographer, but with the added fun element of a Photo Booth, and all the benefits it brings (think props, custom templates and instantly printed photos). What’s more, as it is super lightweight, the operator will be able to take photos of your guests anywhere in the room – whether it’s the Drinks Reception, at the bar, in the relaxation room or even on the dance floor!

Recommended Supplier: Marvel Booths

We hope this provides you with a few great ideas for your upcoming Wedding Reception. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us in the comments below.

Nowadays, we all want to do our bit when it comes to saving the planet. So, what better way to help the environment than with a fabulous eco-friendly wedding? And no, this doesn’t mean it’ll be any less amazing than a traditional wedding whatsoever! In fact, more and more brides are opting for the environmentally friendly route.

So, to help you get started, here are some top tips for planning an eco-friendly wedding:

Eco-Friendly Wedding Invites

Typically, wedding invites are sent out to family and friends on paper. Though this can add a personal touch, it’s also not great for the environment – especially as they’re likely to be thrown away anyway. Instead, why not try e-invites? Team up with a talented graphic designer to create a beautiful email to send to your guests. You could even go as far as to link them to a wedding website with extra information.

Alternatively, if you’ve got older guests who’ve not quite grasped technology yet, then you can always print them an invite on recycled paper. Plantable seed wildflower paper is perfect for this. Not only will guests receive their personalised invite, but they can then plant it in the garden to enjoy beautiful wild growing flowers.

Find a Sustainable Venue

Instead of transporting and constructing a venue like a marquee, stick with a permanent building like a hall or barn. They’ll already have appropriate recycling facilities and good contacts with local suppliers. You could even ask that they limit their energy use wherever possible, such as using candles or eco-lightbulbs.  On the other hand, you could put all your faith in the weather and hold an outdoor wedding!

Bridesmaids Dresses

Your bridesmaids are such a huge part of your big day. Why not let them choose their own dresses? Not only will they be more comfortable, but it also avoids having to buy brand new dresses that they’ll only wear once. You could match with ladies designer belts or colour scheme to try and stay coordinated. If you’re really not keen, then donate the dresses to a charity shop afterwards to send them away to a better home.

Eco Wedding Favours

Give a special gift to guests that they’ll actually enjoy. Wrapped sweets and cellophane gift bags are all well and good, but they lack a personal touch – and they’re not so great for the planet. Why not create DIY wedding favours? Some popular ideas include homemade jam, flower seeds, handmade soap or a photo from the day.

Your Perfect Wedding Dress

One of the best ways to find an eco-friendly wedding dress is to recycle it! Perhaps you’ve got a dress that’s been in your family for years or maybe you and your mum want to start your own new tradition. You can always make alterations to make it feel more “you” such as teaming it with silver chain belt or stunning jewellery.

If that’s not an option, then you could search for a dress made by an ethical designer. There are plenty of beautiful wedding gowns created by eco-conscious designers. By using organic, sustainable materials, they’re able to produce wonderful gowns that haven’t harmed the environment in the process.

Eco-Friendly Catering

Food is always a key source of waste, something you’ll want to avoid on your environmentally friendly wedding day. Over-catering can be an issue, so it’s best to cater to each guest individually rather than make too much buffet food. Additionally, you should select a local company to limit the number of food miles your ingredients have travelled. This also helps to support the local businesses, so it’s a win-win!

Once again it’s spring time. That season of the year associated with many beautiful things, blooming flowers, sunny days, singing birds and, especially, the merry sound of wedding bells.

Nearly everyone would agree that the time between the months of April and June is the best time to have an outdoor wedding. The perfect temperature and beautiful weather is enough to make that special day unique. And, for those of you who are newly engaged and planning to have your nuptials this spring, here are a few tips to set you in the right direction.

Pray for the sun, but plan for the rain –

Getting married in spring is such a lovely idea, the weather is amicable on almost every occasion. However, there are a few times when the clouds want to be a part of the festivities and they send a few raindrops down. Since you can never know if the sunny skies may give way to rain, it is better to plan ahead. There is nothing wrong with having a covered platform in an outdoor wedding. And a nearby basket of umbrellas will not only keep the rain off guests’ clothing, they will also make for great photo shoot props. Of course it may not rain, but if it eventually does, it will neither spoil your day nor your dress.

Get inspiration from the elements –

Spring is probably the most beautiful season of the whole year. Beautiful flowers are in bloom, the grass and leaves are green and lush, and everywhere you turn you see vibrant colours. If you are planning to have an outdoor wedding this spring, let the vivid colors around you be your inspiration. For example, use soft pastel colours for your bridal train and use in season flowers to beautify the venue. RachelPally.com suggests combining contrasting colours with pastel, to give a more exciting look. Pairing one or two vivid colours with pastel will create a memorable picture.

Use the season to its fullest –

Spring brings with it an abundance of beautiful flowers, breathtaking views, and great tasting food. It would be a crime if you didn’t take full advantage of these spring gifts when planning for your spring wedding. At this time of the year, the flowers are so romantic, it’s like they were made for your wedding. And what’s more? All these things are less expensive during this period, there is no point importing.

Use flowers like peonies, lilac, garden roses, and any other seasonal flowers that catch your fancy to tell the story of spring at your wedding. Combine it with a vibrant menu made up of lamb and vegetables like asparagus, spinach, and scalloped potatoes. Strawberries will make for the icing on the cake, in a manner of speaking.

A spring themed wedding cake –

But, of course, what else could it be but a spring themed wedding cake? Here are some tips on how to pick the best wedding cake for your special day:

For your wedding in the spring, consider hiring a baker who can give you an outstanding cake decorated with beautiful flowers made from rice paper. Of course, these flowers are just decorative but a really good baker will make them look like the real thing. However, if you want something different, you can opt for a chocolate-covered cupcake instead of the traditional wedding cake.

Go creative on the favours –

To a lot of people, wedding favours are a chore, but it doesn’t have to be so. With a bit of creativity, you can add a personalised touch to your wedding favours. People already have too many trinkets and silver frames. You can give personalised champagne glasses, personalised matchboxes with matches, or even handmade candles. Or you can consider giving something that evokes spring, such as a packet of flower seeds they can plant in their garden and remember your special day, as they watch them grow.

Book early

Just like the summer, the weekends in spring are booked up pretty fast for weddings. So, if you plan on having a wedding in spring, it is a good idea to do your venue shopping fast, so you can book on time.

Apart from the venue, you may also need to plan ahead for the caterer, the venue decorators, and the whole gamut of logistics that must accompany a wedding. The moment you find a venue you love, quickly secure it with a deposit, so that it is kept free for your day. The same thing applies to the caterers, florist, decorators, and so on. Make a firm commitment by putting some money down, so that they will make their time available for your day.

Plan your budget –

Brides to be are not often comfortable sharing details of their wedding budget, because they feel that contractors such as the caterer, florist and decorators will be influenced by the budget. This is true up to a point. However, it is important that you plan your budget from the very beginning so that you know if there is the need to cut out a few things, or include others. It is better to plan with a lower budget and have extra cash available than to have to start looking for cash later to handle financial commitments. 

If you need a little help in saving up then this guide from Lending Expert gives some useful pointers. 

Finally

There is actually no better time to have a wedding than in the spring. Everywhere is just so beautiful, it makes the day more special. If you are planning for a wedding this spring, the ideas covered above will help you immensely.

Have a blissful union.

Most of us dream of a flawless, fairy tale wedding with all our friends and family celebrating together to our favourite tunes of all time. The fact that this dream isn’t always realised doesn’t mean that we don’t deserve all of this – there’s just so much to keep on top of, it’s easy to let something slip through your fingers. Rigid organisation approached with military precision is the key to a mishap-free celebration. Here are a few potential potholes that could disrupt your smooth ride in the run up to, on the day of and in the period following your glorious wedding:

PRE-WEDDING

Expensive early Booking

The early birds among you might think you’ll be getting the juiciest of worms by booking your wedding band months in advance, but this economy is false. Function bands adjust their rates all the time in accordance with current trends plus their own experience, and will most likely be loath to give you a quote for an event too far in the future. Moreover, they may not even wish to commit to the gig at all, as the fast-moving life of a musician features many unexpected twists and turns. Members come and go, as do bands themselves, and popular wedding bands are often inundated with offers and could be holding out for a more lucrative opportunity. To circumvent such flakiness, don’t book your wedding band more than a couple of months in advance tops. Then, you’ll get a realistic quote and still give your band plenty of time to prepare for your big day.

Last Minute Leftovers

If you take a “last minute dot com” approach to booking a wedding band, you could well end up with one heck of a good deal. But you could also end up with a band whose style is at odds with your personal tastes – and by this stage, there’s not much you can do about it. You’ll just have to pretend that you wanted you traditional white wedding to be scored by a heavy metal covers band. Worse still – you could end up with no band at all, and have no choice but to let your overexcited cousin – who’s been dying for a chance to show off his spinning skills – behind the decks. It’s better to be safe than sorry, even if it means paying a little extra.

WEDDING

Nowhere to Go

You’ve just arrived, fresh from your ceremony, with plenty of love in the air, at the venue of your reception. The place is teeming with aunties and caterers, the tables have been perfectly set, and there’s a beat-up transit van waiting for you in the carpark with four disgruntled musicians leaning against it. Not only is there no easy access to the reception room – the stage area is also barely big enough for the drums. And not for the first time – all too often are bands treated as an afterthought. Please make sure they know where they can unload and where they can set up their gear – and give them plenty of room to perform. Yes, your friends and family’s comfort will be at the forefront of your mind, but extra stress and cramped conditions will have a negative impact on your band’s performance. Have a chat with your band, describe your venue to them, and have someone on hand on the day to show them where to go.

Messed-Up Timings

You’re going to want things to run as close to clockwork as is humanly possible on your wedding day – stress levels are going to be running high enough without people showing up at the wrong place at the wrong time. While you’re going to have to be flexible on the day – you can’t predict things like illnesses or vehicular breakdowns – at least have the framework ready. You don’t want a situation where the father of the bride tries to address the room while the band are still in full swing and your guests are still dancing; likewise, you wouldn’t want the announcement that you’re about to cut the cake to be drowned out by your specially chosen 80s cheese playlist. Make sure everyone has a copy of the same schedule – and make sure everyone has their phones switched on in the event of changes.

You also don’t want your wedding band to show up too late or too early – your guests will either be welcomed by an empty room, or a group of bored and annoyed band members. Give your wedding band the rundown of your wedding in advance, and warn them of any possible delays, and ask them to do the same for you – this way, you won’t be wasting each other’s time.

First Dance Disasters

An event second only to the bridal procession in iconic importance, the first dance is something you really don’t want to go wrong. Can you imagine looking into your partner’s loving eyes, waiting with baited breath for those first magical chords of your special song to chime in, only for an awkward, tentative count in followed by the sound of uncertain fingers struggling to find their place on the fretboard to shatter the spell instead? It is imperative that you let your band know in good time exactly what you’re expecting from them, or you’ll set yourself up for a horror show. As an additional safety measure, have your first song ready at hand on an iPod or similar handheld device, just in case your wedding band isn’t confident they can do it justice.

Unwelcome Requests

Wedding bands have differing views on this. Yes, it’s your wedding, and you have an entitlement to have whatever music you like – but, then again, they’ve played loads of weddings, and they know from experience what works and what doesn’t. It’s much safer to agree on what’s to be played in advance, so the band can prepare accordingly. There’s nothing worse for a wedding band than a drunken uncle stumbling up to the stage,  grabbing the bassist by the shirtsleeve and demanding that they play his favourite 80s power ballad, then insisting that of course they do know it despite the band’s best efforts to shake him off and continue playing the song he’s interrupting. Hopefully this won’t happen at your wedding, but the point remains that while seasoned wedding bands will have seen it all before, it’s not safe to assume that your guests can just waltz up to them whenever they feel like it – so please make this known to them.

POST-WEDDING

Money Disputes

With wedding bands, you really do get what you pay for – so once you’ve got it, it’s time to pay for it. A professional wedding band will have put a great deal of time and effort into honing their performance and putting together their set list, and usually will have given you a quote beforehand based on this along with the level of experience they’ve achieved and the amount of time they’re required to be present for on the day.

However, things rarely go exactly according to our best laid plans. Things can easily overrun or change, and if you need your band for longer than expected, or require an additional service from them that wasn’t previously agreed, they’re going to want paying for it. Remember: you’re on their time. If you want them to throw in a DJ set and they’ve not expressly told you that it’s free, you can’t expect it to be. Also, if you want them to play a set earlier on, then the planned second set gets pushed back, that’s eating into the time they could be spending on other pursuits. Throw into the mix the stress and tiredness, and you’ll be faced with quite an irritable bunch of people unless you cough up!

Now you know what can go wrong, you can hopefully take measures to prevent such things from happening. Just remember – forewarned is forearmed. And while it may seem like having four arms would be a godsend when you’re juggling so many different responsibilities, all you really need when it comes to booking your wedding band is a solid plan and some strong, regularly exercised communication skills.

No one will hate you for being selfish on your own wedding day because, after all, it’s your wedding day and the focus is you. However, your guests deserve recognition, they shouldn’t feel neglected or feel like they could be spending their time doing something better if not for your invitation.

The concept of time won’t even cross their mind if they are having more than enough fun. What they will remember, and keep talking about when your name comes up at the end of the day, is the way they felt at your wedding ceremony, and not how your wedding specifically looked.

The thought of sitting amidst a sea of strange faces is already exhausting, not to mention going through another monotonous routine in the name of a wedding ceremony. Spice things up, deviate a little from what’s obtainable, create sparks that will leave your guests spellbound, and make your wedding a grand event.

If all of that seems too complicated, or too difficult for you to handle, you can always hire the services of a trusted entertainment agency. An agency that perfectly understands that moments gone by are the antecedents of memories, and incredible moments beget unforgettable memories.

Here are ten awesome entertainment ideas that your guests will love, and that will make your wedding an unforgettable event

1. Photo Booths

Photo booths are popular for a good reason. At weddings, they are a great way to have fun and to also create lasting memories. It’s fun to put up props in a photo booth, and the hilarious photos your guests take will make them laugh long after the event has passed. The pictures will also serve as good reminders of the fun they had at your wedding.

2.     Casino Royale

This is one of the best ways to break the ice and stop your guests from being aloof and staying apart from each other. At the casino table, they get to chat with each other as they find some common ground. Not to worry, all you need do is provide some fake money that they can play with. Despite the fact that it’s not real, seeing the amount of money they can make in one night will have them really excited.

3. Ice Cream Stall

Everyone loves ice cream, fresh and delicious ice cream to tamper down the heat on a hot summer day. If you’re having a summer wedding, don’t forget to include this treat. Both your adult and child guests will thank you for it.

4.   Bouncy Castles

Bouncy castles never fail to make both the children and the adults at your wedding laugh. Who doesn’t enjoy the idea of playing in a bouncy castle? Hardly anyone. There will be so much laughter!

Companies like Jump 4 Adan offer various types of bouncy castles ideal for occasions like these, from combined bouncers and dry slides to completely customized designs.

5.   Magicians

Skilled magicians know how best to engage the minds of your guests, how to keep them occupied as they try to figure out the magician’s tricks. If you want guests that won’t be yawning. and eager to go home, hire skilled magicians to do the trick.

6. Wedding DJ

Don’t just hire anyone who claims to be a DJ, if you do, you might be in for a huge disappointment. A good DJ should know the perfect music to play, that will keep guests on their feet all night. Of course, there can’t be a wedding without good music.

7.   Live Bands

If DJs don’t cut it for you, you can always go for a live wedding band. The most important thing is for you and your guests to have a special and incredible evening. A live band consisting of individuals who understand the definition and importance of good music will ensure that you have an exceptional wedding.

8.    Wedding Nannies

Children often become easily bored of wedding formalities and when they do, they either start disturbing their parents or causing unwanted distractions. As a result, your adult guests will have their attention divided, and won’t be able to fully enjoy all the goodies you’ve put together for them. Hiring the service of a wedding nanny is the best way to avoid this situation. They will keep your little guests entertained and give their parents breathing space.

9. Solo Musicians

Hiring a solo musician is the best alternative for couples that can’t afford to hire a live band at their wedding, but want live music. A talented solo musician will keep your guests entertained and also provide a beautiful ambiance for your wedding ceremony.

10. Firework Displays

Mind-blowing firework displays are such a romantic way of bringing a beautiful and perfect day to an end. Everyone loves an incredible display of fireworks, and you can never go wrong by ending your special day with this type of show.

It’s your wedding day, don’t forget to make it memorable for both you and your guests.

At Eyes of India, we are speaking to more and more customers who are turning to us to provide them with Bohemian accessories to help theme, furnish and stylise their Wedding Day. This got us thinking, what exactly does it mean to have a ‘Bohemian Wedding’ and this article will explain what a Bohemian Wedding style means to us, with some tips along the way on how to achieve this really cool style of wedding.

What does Bohemian Mean?

A few months ago we wrote a blog post about the origins of Bohemianism, and what it means. Traditionally, Bohemianism represented a relaxed way of life, free from conforming to the usual norms of life. Artists, writers, poets and liberals were of seen as Bohemian. It was a term very much used to describe those living an unconventional lifestyle. This may seem an odd definition today, and today Bohemianism is continued by those with a quirky, natural and creative attitude towards life. 

What is a Bohemian Wedding Style?

So how does the above translate into a wedding style? To us, a Bohemian Wedding is an incredibly relaxed event. Heavily inspired by nature, Bohemian wedding days are all about chilled out vibes – it doesn’t matter too much about the location – although venues which feature the outdoors are always best.

Just think of a traditional wedding, and turn it on its head – there’s no rule and regulations to adhere to.

Bohemian Wedding Tips:

• Swap the Huge Bouquets of flowers for smaller, wild flowers – look in charity shops and second hand shops for little jars and containers to put them in. Don’t worry about the order and presentation of these flowers, loose is best.

• If possible, create large seating areas out of flo0or pillows – this is a really good way to avoid the rigid tradition of seating patterns, you can even avoid the dreaded top table situation!

• Keep it light – keep the colours light – blues, pinks, greens and variations of such colours blend perfectly with nature and the environment you are trying to create. Use rugs and tapestries to inject bohemian style and colour.

• Wedding dresses should reflect the style of the wedding, think mischievous woodland fairy style – not Disney princess. A massive amount of designers are making a bigger and better range of relaxed, more casual wedding dresses which are perfectly suited to free spirited,  Boho weddings.

• Hairstyles – in our opinion the very best hairstyle for a bohemian wedding day is one that is carefree, flowing and natural. Think loose plaits, braids, as well as including flowers and pretty head pieces.

Bohemian Design Ideas

One of the most important elements of a Boho Wedding is the interior design and surroundings. Below, we give you a few ideas on how to use some of the products we have seen during wedding days, for maximum effect – creating a stunning location for your special day.

Tapestries – These tapestries can be used for everything from table coverings, to picnic/beach blankets. In weddings, we often see them used around where the vows will be read, and also around the venue.

Cushions – These cushions make brilliant communal seating areas, making sure your Boho wedding day delivers the relaxed, social atmosphere you need.

Rugs – Working both inside and outside, there is a range of Boho rugs which inject individuality, colour and style into any wedding venue.

Do you have any tips on how to pull off the perfect Bohemian Wedding? Get in touch below.

Generally accepted advice says that beach weddings are for the summertime, but people are finally becoming aware of the beauty of winter beach weddings. We’re stoked to see this trending, but why a winter wedding, and how do you make this theme happen? We’re here to answer your pressing questions, and walk you through everything from the venue and food to the invites and thank you cards.

Why a winter wedding?

There are tons of benefits to having your wedding in winter. The sun is low in the sky and there is often cloud cover, which helps create the perfect lighting for the atmosphere of the day and for the photos in particular. Any photographer will tell you that a cloudy day is the dream when it comes to a photo shoot, and winter increases your chances of landing one. Shorter days also make it easier for you to catch the ‘golden hour’ light with your photographer (the hour of warm light just before the sun sets). Winter is also considered one of the best times of year for dramatic sunsets, since crisp air, good air circulation and certain types of clouds contribute to making the perfect sunset. All these things, and the fact that the beaches are more likely to be empty, make for great atmosphere and amazing wedding photos.

On top of all that, winter is the off-peak season for weddings. This means your wedding is less likely to clash with someone else’s guests are more likely to be able to attend your big day. It also tends to be a big help for your budget: many venues and wedding vendors offer discounts or throw in extra features when it’s not the peak season.

Creating your winter beach wedding

Like most weddings, creating the theme is all about the big four:

• Location and venues: for the ceremony, photos and reception
• Stationery: from save the dates right through to thank you cards
• Decor: whether it’s furniture and lighting or bunting and flowers
• Food and drink: foodies know there’s a big difference between a summer menu and a winter menu.

Location and venue

Obviously it’s only possible to have a beach wedding if you live somewhere near a beach, or you’re prepared to have a destination wedding, so location is vital when it comes to this trend! The venue can be a little trickier. In summer you might have your wedding right there on the beach, but this isn’t always practical in winter. Ideally, you should locate a beachside venue with an ocean view and ocean vibes that is willing to host a ceremony and a reception.

Stationery

Your wedding stationery can be anything you want it to be, but for a winter beach wedding why not focus on the grey-blue colour palette of the winter sky and sea? There are a range of popular colours for this, from baby blues and aqua through to slate grey, navy and of course, black and white.

Simple, colour blocked and typographic design aesthetics are the most popular when it comes to winter beach weddings, but it’s also possible to go more literal with it and incorporate other design elements like seashells, starfish and waves. Look at the decor of the venue, and consider any decor you’re planning to add, and try to match that.

For a little extra something, consider going for a premium print type like letterpress or foiling. This is perfect for a more formal beachside venue.

Decor

There are two kinds of wedding decor: what is built-in at the venue you choose, and what you can put in separately. This might still be provided by the venue, but it’s optional. An example of the first kind of decor is the provincial-style chairs and tables of a venue, the burgundy colour of their walls, or their statement pendant lights. An example of the latter might be bunting, flowers, candles, or other decorations that can be easily swapped or brought in.

Beach wedding decor shouldn’t be too much of a worry if you’re choosing a venue that makes the most of its beachside location. Usually venues by the sea make the beach central to their character and decorate accordingly. If in doubt, be sure to visit the venue before the big day and talk to them about any of your own decorations you wish to bring in.

Popular winter wedding decor includes candles, natural materials like rope, stone and wood, neutral colours with rich burgundy, navy or olive coloured accents, and greenery like succulents and ferns.

Food and Drink

Most restaurants, cafes and other venues where food is served rotate their menus with the season. This isn’t just marketing! The best cuisine relies on food that is in season, since that is when it is at its very highest quality, and also takes into consideration the tastes and textures that match the weather. This usually means salads and tropical fruits in summer, and soups, root vegetables and citrus in winter.

Your venue caterers will usually cater by the season, so you shouldn’t have to worry too much about this one, but if you are making the choice, consider choosing seasonal food to add to the winter wonderland you are creating. Of course, for a beach wedding, summer or winter, seafood is always a winning choice too!

By thinking carefully about each of these steps – from the appetisers to the furniture, the save the dates to the venue selection –  you can create the winter wonderland of your dreams and still have your perfect beach wedding as well

This was a guest post by Maddison Wallace from Paperlust. Maddison is head of content at Paperlust. She is a communications professional who loves words and drinking cups of tea.

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Destination weddings are quickly becoming a hit amongst couples, especially the ever on the move millennials. When you take a look at the average cost of a Western wedding, you will understand why it makes perfect sense to embrace this option. In the UK, for example, the average cost of a traditional wedding is £25,000. You can get a magnificent destination wedding for around 30% of that amount in choice destinations abroad! Here are more reasons why you should jet off when it is time to tie the knot.

Enhanced Intimacy

If you’ve never been one to enjoy overblown crowds, this is your chance to enjoy a fun, small and intimate wedding. Your guest list will be small due to the travel involved and only your very closest friends and families will really bother with the trip. Nice way to shed off the crowd “fat” right? You don’t have to cater for your neighbour 5 blocks away or your cousin you last spoke to in the Ice Age!

Cheaper Décor

The typical destination wedding holds in magnificent locations like the beach front, a garden or a vineyard. Why would you need to shell out on decoration in such a location? In fact, many destination wedding packages are all-inclusive so you do not need to pay the bridal floral group separately! Your wedding organisers will have decoration sorted for you. Even when the decoration is minimalist, it comes out looking stunning in pictures when you factor in the natural elements.

Dual Purpose

After you have spent thousands for your wedding at home, you will still have to shell out sizable sums on a honeymoon. A destination wedding takes care of this. After the wedding, you can retire to a lush property with your partner, to all the glitz and glamour that naturally trails honeymoon.  Most destination wedding locations, from South Africa to the Caribbeans to Turkey, all have magnificent places for your honeymoon. If you are headed to Turkey, consider some of the exquisite holiday homes available on Spot Blue! Imagine combining your wedding with a Safari honeymoon. How magnificent is that?

Evergreen Experience

Few would argue if you call your wedding day one of the most important days of your life. So why not go out of your way to make it as evergreen as possible? A traditional wedding back home will retain all the boring details that you have become accustomed to over the years. Not even grabbing hipster wedding routines on Instagram can change that!  A destination wedding, on the other hand, gives you a chance to really shake things up. There are lots of traditions you can borrow while at the location to make your day every inch different and one you will never forget.

Show Off

Vain, but it’s the times!  Most people will share their wedding pictures with friends and family and even online. A picture perfect destination wedding makes it easy for you to leave people in awe and in admiration of your special experience.

If you’re organising a hen party, and you want to add something a little bit different to the mix, life drawing is a brilliant, but tasteful way of adding a bit of tongue in cheek male nudity to the occasion.

Your hen will be delighted that she’s escaped the embarrassment of dancing with a stripper, and your whole party of hens will be over the moon you’ve added some cheeky endeavour. It’s a win, win naughty, but tasteful, activity for the perfect hen party shenanigans.

So, if you’ve decided to kick off the prenuptial celebrations with a life drawing class, here’s our beginners guide to make sure you have a cheeky giggle and come away with an artistic masterpiece!

11 great reasons to include life drawing on a hen night

1. It adds wow factor.
2. It’s an unforgettable way to kick off a hen party, and a perfect afternoon activity.
3. Avoids the dilemma of a tacky stripper.
4. You can develop a new skill (there’s a budding artist in all of us).
5. It’s an activity that doesn’t have to involve alcohol (but it can if you so wish).
6. It’s easy to organise in the comfort of your own home, or at a holiday rental.
7. It adds a bit of competitive spirit (who can produce the best drawing).
8. It gets everyone in a giggly mood for the rest of the hen day/night/weekend.
9. You get a memento (your drawing) that will always remind you of this special day.
10. It’s suitable for all over 18s, no matter how old you are. It’s something everyone can enjoy.
11. It’s a great alternative for hens who don’t fancy a male cabaret strip show.

What you can expect

• A professional model who’ll strut their stuff and wear as much or as little as your hens choose.
• A light-hearted atmosphere.
• A lesson in life drawing.

Practical tips

Here are a few practical tips to make sure you get the most out of your life drawing experience.

• You’ll need to book a nude model. It’s not expected you’ll know one off the cuff. There are lots of hen party organisers offering hen party life drawing classes either at a convenient venue or in the comfort of your own home.

It’s a great activity to kick the party off before you head out for dining and a boogie. Your hen won’t suspect a thing if you invite everyone over for pre-hen party drinks. If it’s a hot summer’s day and you have a private garden, you could even take the activity outdoors!

• Check what materials are provided. Most organisers will supply a model and drawing materials, including pencils or charcoal, paper, boards and sharpeners. But you may want to source some silly dressing up items to get you in the artistic mood! And perhaps some handheld fans for the blushing!
• Don’t forget the champagne. A glass of bubbly will most definitely get the party started. Or if you are serious about the artistry and don’t want to booze, throw a vintage tea party as you draw.

The serious art of drawing: 10 life drawing tips

You’ll have a set amount of time to create your masterpiece, but it’s likely your model will be experienced and will be able to give you some life drawing tips. Here are our 10 life drawing tips to help you get the most out of your life drawing session.

1. Take a few minutes to look at the figure. Hold your pencil up to the figure and visualise three lines, through the shoulders, hips and knees.
2. Plan your drawing in sections.
3. Quickly sketch in the entire figure.
4. Look at the model more than your paper.
5. Draw fast, don’t doodle!
6. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
7. Don’t avoid the difficult bits. Face the challenge!
8. Focus on the whole model and give equal attention to everything you draw.
9. Add shadows and highlights.
10. Add the date and get your model to sign it. And don’t forget to take a snap of you, your drawing and the model for a momento.